My First Mustang

[Sledder91]

hey guys finally got myself a fox body. Picked up a stock 89 lx 5.0HO 5 speed from an older couple that bought it brand new. unfortunately they parked it in 2006 out in the sun and it has baked the clear coat on it and faded most of the trim. The one reflector inside the right hand headlight is also broken off. The interior is mint and I could eat off the engine it's so clean.

Plans for the car are to drive it in the summer on the nice days and possibly get into Autocross as there's a small group of guys that do it here at the airport.

I've already gave it a thorough inspection and changed all fluids, I've noticed one rear shock is leaking. I've got a steeda tri ax shifter and new headlights on order just to get me thought the rest of driving season. This winter I plan on throwing new shocks and possibly springs under it and new brake pads and shoes as well as restoring/replacing the weathered trim. I'm wondering what you guys think I should do for performance mods though? Thinking of throwing a set of shorty headers, off-road h pipe and new mufflers on it. As for major mods most I'd like to spend is $3g on the engine this winter. I've been looking at low boost superchargers such as the Paxton set up, or a top end kit with heads, intake, and cam. What do you think would be the best bang for my buck? Also thinking I should throw a set of 3.73 or 3.55 gears at it.

 

[squeak93]

The paint is single stage. A careful light buff will likely do it wonders. (that is unless it's been repainted then proceed with caution lol).


Good find.

3g on mods? Buy a used blower, Add gears, supporting fuel system and have fun!

 

[Sledder91]

Definitely original paint for the most part, I have a funny feeling that it has a new fender on it though that's been painted to match. I was just going to lean into it with cut wax. What kind of light buff were you thinking?

I've been looking for a used blower but I haven't come across anything like that around my area

 

[smkshw]

nice....and you need a cut polish,with a buffer,if it is single stage you can make it shine again

 

[squeak93]

Definitely original paint for the most part, I have a funny feeling that it has a new fender on it though that's been painted to match. I was just going to lean into it with cut wax. What kind of light buff were you thinking?

I've been looking for a used blower but I haven't come across anything like that around my area

I have used Meguires ultimate compound with a real slow buffer (random orbital) on single stage. the key is to not stay in once spot or cut too aggressively or deep as the factor paint tends to be thin on the edges.

 

[Sledder91]

Alright I will give that a go. I will soon have all winter to bring the paint back so why not try

 

[7upstang91]

Take the 3K and put it into a ROTH IRA. You'll thank me in a 30 years.

 

[7upstang91]

On a serious note.
1. Sub-Framer Connectors
2. Brakes (stock sucks)
3. Suspension

If you want to road race you need to be safe. Adding power without the ability to handle the power if a recipe for failure.

Power mods can be on the cheap end for budget with success.

 

[Sledder91]

Yea suspension and brakes are first on the list forsure. For now i will keep the rear drums but one day it will get discs. Will have to look into the connectors

 

[FoxMustangLvr]

AutoX is going to be more about handling and braking at first, not HP. I bet a stock Miata would beat a HCI mustang with factory brakes all day long. Stock mustang brakes are inadequate for spirited street driving and absolutely dangerous when applied to racing. Do a 5 lug swap, suspension, gears, and full exhaust. Worry about an HCI later.